Riverside Theatre rolled the dice and took on chance on Lady Luck last weekend with the addition of a Vegas Style Casino in conjunction with its Friday and Saturday night Comedy Zone experience, which featured comedians Tim Wilkins and Rahn Hortman.
The threat of a little rain couldn’t keep folks away from an evening that featured something for everyone – a free outdoor concert by Collins & Company on the Live at the Loop stage, gaming tables in the Orchid Lobby, music by pianist Dale Rieth in the RT Martini Lounge, and of course great comedy in the Waxlax Theatre.
“Our Comedy Zone patrons, on average, attend one or two a year, although we have some diehards who I see every weekend. We love them,” said Jon Moses, Riverside’s Managing Director. “But much like the different shows on the Main Stage, this concept gives them a reason to come to Comedy Zone five times a year, for a slightly different experience each time.”
In addition to Casino Nights, watch for OctoberFest Nights, featuring a Biergarten with German-style food, beers and music this fall, followed by a festive Winter Nights, with twinkling lights and even snow in the Comedy Zone.
The concept of the casino quickly gave rise to the idea of donating the additional proceeds to charity – in this case to Riverside Children’s Theatre. “We’re always trying to raise money for scholarships for our children,” he added.
Since Riverside generally partners with various food outreach programs in the fall, proceeds from OctoberFest will target Harvest Food & Outreach and the Treasure Coast Food Bank. And Winter Nights, occurring during the season of giving, will assist the United Way.
On Friday, funny money ($20 funny money for $5 real) in hand, people were eager to take their chances at blackjack, craps, poker, roulette and slots. Winning chips could later be “cashed in” for chances on some great donated prizes.
“I am ready!” said Amy Selby, as she headed to the Blackjack table with friends. After experiencing the ups and downs of the game, she later added, “I just love Riverside and Jon, and this whole group. I’ve lost all my money and I’m still happy. That just shows what a great time it is.”
“I plan to do well; I’m feeling kind of lucky,” said Anna Tillery with a big smile. “I understand blackjack but I feel like I want to roll some dice.”
As the very patient Florida Casino Parties croupier manning the craps table tried valiantly to explain the intricacies of the game to the novices in the crowd, there were still plenty of puzzled looks.
“I try to understand this stuff but it’s not happening,” said Georgia Irish, before summing it up. “So, no matter what you do, you can win or lose!”
Comedy Zone Casino Nights continue every other weekend through Sept. 5. OctoberFest Nights begin Sept. 18 and continue every other weekend through Oct. 31. Winter Nights take place Nov. 13 & 14, Dec. 4 & 5, 18 & 19, and Jan. 1 & 2. For more information visit www.riversidetheatre.com